The Joy of Grandparenting!

Parents, I encourage you to forward this newsletter to your children’s grandparents.

Grandparents, would you share this newsletter with your friends?

Being a grandparent is such a joy! And from the other grandparents I’ve talked to, they feel the same. In reading about grandparenting, the relationship is pretty important. In the analogy of a family tree, grandparents are the family’s roots. They give grandchildren a sense of belonging to something bigger, the sense that they have connections to others; they are part of a long progression of family history.

What are a few of the joys of grandparenting? You can share your interests, be a caregiver, and express and receive love. It’s amazing to see your own life extended by children who, although unique personalities, are still a part of you. You’ve probably observed grandparents interact with grandchildren in different ways, influenced by their age, cultural background, and life events.

When children visit grandparents who live in the city, near the beach, or just around the corner, they will enjoy new experiences. Grandparents who live in a city can take their grandchildren to museums, plays, and concerts, while those who live in the country can share nature, animals, and small-town events. If they live near the seashore, walks along the beach can yield treasures such as shells and smooth, round pebbles.

Every grandparent has a personal history to share. Life has changed so much in the last few decades. Photographs or slides of how people looked and dressed when grandma and grandpa were young are usually fascinating to children who can gain an understanding of family history.

Grandparenting suggestions:

● Try to see the world through the child’s eyes. Understand their interests regarding the things around them. Operate on their level.

● Whenever you are together, stop to examine whatever your grandchild is interested in: a flower, a rock, the colorful magnets on the refrigerator.

● Be aware of grandchildren’s individual preferences.

● Accept your grandchild’s feelings when he is afraid. Some children are more cautious of new experiences than others.

● Get down on the floor or on a low chair to play with your grandchild. That way, you can look at things from her level.

● Encourage them to be outside and active by taking them to a park or playground.

● Let them lead the play and then be enthusiastic.

● Give completely of your time and attention when playing with your grandchild.

● Share your day and activities with your grandchild, whether that’s cooking a meal, going to the recycling center, or listening to music.

● Whether they are visiting you, or you are alone with them at their house, ask their parents for a general schedule of the children’s home routine. Be aware of what they do for themselves (like brushing their teeth) and what you are expected to do for them.

● Remember, routines and repetition of familiar activities are comforting.

● Let them choose a book for you to read together.

● Take walks together and count things: Tulips, dogs, tall trees.

● Look at photograph albums and hear stories about when Mommy and Daddy were little.

● Create a Grandchildren’s Scrapbook of photos and events you attended together.

I would love to hear about your grandparenting experiences and see pics of you with your grandchildren. Please share them in the comments and/or tag me on social media: @AmyHouts on Instagram, X, Blue Sky, and Threads.

Big thank you to Betty Farber, M. Ed., for allowing me to draw from an article she had written on grandparenting for Parent & preschooler Newsletter. Used with permission.

Book event: Missouri friends! I’ll be reading my books at the Atchison County Library in Tarkio, Missouri 10 am, Monday April 6! I’d love to see you there.

Amy Houts is the author of 100+ picture books for children. To find out more about Amy, visit: Linktr.ee/amyhouts.